2013 BMW 7-Series 760Li

For 2013, all 7-Series models, save for the V-12s, get auto stop/start (in an effort to eke out a bit better fuel economy in the city), and the 740 and the 750 go from six-speed to eight-speed automatics. The ActiveHybrid 7 is now less expensive, with a six-cylinder engine instead of a V-8, making it a more compelling proposition.

The exterior of the 2013 BMW 7-Series is modified a little this year, with a slightly redesigned front air intake, a revised grille, and new headlights. An optional M Sport package fits the car with unique exterior elements that give it more aggressive lower bodywork and a darker Shadowline trim for the doors and windows.

The 2013 BMW 7-Series has a wheelbase of 120.9 inches, but the extended-length model of the car has a wheelbase of 126.4 inches. The front fenders, hood, doors, and roof are aluminum, which help lower the weight of the car by a significant margin. Nevertheless, the 7-Series still feels a little on the heavier side.

Standard exterior features in the 2013 BMW 7-Series include xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, adaptive headlights that move with the steering wheel, and 18-inch wheels. Optional features include high-beam assist headlights that automatically dim the high-beam for oncoming drivers, LED daytime headlights, and 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Alpina B7 comes with 21-inch alloys.

The 2013 BMW 7-Series is the German carmaker’s flagship series, so it comes as no surprise that it is fitted with the best luxury, technological, and comfort features. The rich wood accents, supple leather, and superb quality of materials give the cabin an unmistakably premium feel. Nevertheless, the overall opulence of the 7-Series’ interior is lacking in comparison to the cabins of the Jaguar XJ, Mercedes Benz S-Class, and Audi A8.

However, this does not translate to any real problem with cabin comfort. The 2013 BMW 7-Series has a cabin that is as comfortable as it can possibly get. The 14-way front seats are adjustable to such a degree that anyone can find the right position for his or her body. Headroom and legroom are ample both in the front and back.

The rear seats in particular have been designed with taller adults in mind, making it very comfortable indeed. The extended-wheelbase versions of the car offer six inches of extra legroom, as well as a little more headroom. The rear seats can be heated or cooled, and special comfort seats can even give the rear occupants a massage.

On the downside, the 2013 BMW 7-Series lacks certain super-luxurious features that can be found in a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus LS. Moreover, the trunk space is only 14 cubic feet, which is considerably lower than the average luggage space in this segment.

Up front, the 2013 BMW 7-Series offers a wide range of technological features like the BMW iDrive system which acts as a central controller for the stereo, navigation, climate control, and other systems. A 10.2-inch screen on the dashboard serves as the interface for the iDrive. The system itself works quite well, and is a big improvement from previous years when the iDrive was initially introduced.

The 2013 BMW 7-Series has a wide range of standard and optional safety features. Standard safety features include front and side-impact airbags up front, side-curtain airbags, knee airbags, electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, a backup camera, a tire-pressure monitor, adaptive brake lights, and adaptive xenon headlights.

Optional safety features include a blind spot warning system, a lane departure warning system, and night vision. All versions of the 7-Series get the BMW Assist with automated crash response as standard.

The 2013 BMW 7-Series is available with three engine options under the hood, depending on the model. The BMW 740 and ActiveHybrid 7 get a turbocharged, six-cylinder engine that delivers 315 horsepower (hp) and 330 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 750 has a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged, V-8 engine that delivers 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The BMW 760Li is fitted with a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, V-12 that delivers 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque.

All models of the 2013 BMW 7-Series have a rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, along with drive setting adjustments for transmission and throttle response. BMW’s xDrive, which is an all-wheel-drive system, is available for the 740 and 750, along with an automatic engine start-stop system for better fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive versions are named 740i and 750i.

The 740i with the six-cylinder engine goes from standstill to 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds, which is quite fast. The 750 is even faster, reaching the 60 miles per hour mark in around 4.7 seconds. The 760Li is slightly faster, with a timing of 4.5 seconds for the same benchmark.

Overall, the 2013 BMW 7-Series proves to be quite agile and quick despite its curb weight. It engages the driver in a way that is unlike most top-end luxury sedans. Nevertheless, the competition has improved a lot and caught up with the 7-Series, making the choice more difficult for those looking for both high-end luxury and powerful performance.

• Audi A8
• Jaguar XJ
• Lexus LS
• Mercedes-Benz S-class